Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has presented a historic ₦971 billion budget for 2025, titled the “Budget of Exponential Growth and Inclusive Prosperity.”
This financial plan marks a significant milestone in the state’s history and positions Enugu as a leader in fiscal management and transformative development within Nigeria.
A key highlight of the budget is Enugu’s impressive 240% increase in Internally Generated Revenue within a year.
IGR surged from ₦26 billion in 2022 to ₦37 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach over ₦200 billion by the end of 2025, up from ₦144 billion in 2024, according to Nigerian Tribune.
This remarkable achievement places Enugu among Nigeria’s top-performing states, drawing comparisons to the fiscal success of Lagos under former Governor Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The 2025 budget reflects Governor Mbah’s focus on financial discipline and strategic investment.
Recurrent expenditure has been reduced from ₦133.1 billion to ₦107.2 billion, resulting in savings of nearly ₦30 billion. The budget prioritizes capital expenditure, focusing on vital sectors such as education, infrastructure, healthcare, and agriculture.
A notable allocation of ₦320.6 billion—over one-third of the budget—has been earmarked for education, making it the largest sectoral investment for the second year in a row. Central to this initiative is the Enugu Smart Schools project, a ₦155 billion plan to build 260 modern schools across the state in collaboration with developers like Sujimoto Constructions. This initiative aims to provide cutting-edge educational facilities to foster a more skilled and educated workforce.
Infrastructure development also takes a central role in the budget, with ₦213.1 billion allocated for projects, including the construction of an international cargo terminal, the acquisition of four new aircraft, and the reopening of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport. These projects are designed to streamline trade and transport for Igbo traders, reducing reliance on Lagos and Abuja and fostering economic growth in the region.
The healthcare sector has received a substantial boost, with ₦45.8 billion allocated—a fourfold increase from the previous year’s ₦11 billion. This funding aims to improve access to quality healthcare, ensuring a healthier population that can contribute to the state’s overall development.
Agriculture has also been given significant attention, with ₦82.3 billion earmarked for agro-industrialization projects. This initiative aims to make Enugu the food basket of the southeast, promoting food security and economic stability through agricultural innovation.
Governor Mbah, whose private-sector experience has shaped his pragmatic approach to governance, continues to earn praise for his “Talk and Do” leadership style. The 2025 budget reflects his vision of transforming Enugu into a hub of innovation and commerce, similar to Lagos. With strategic investments in housing, urbanization, digital healthcare, tourism, and aviation, Enugu is poised to become one of Nigeria’s most economically vibrant states.
As Governor Mbah reshapes the economic landscape of Enugu, his plans have garnered attention both within Nigeria and internationally. With a clear focus on development and innovation, Enugu is on track to become a thriving regional hub by 2030, setting an example of progress for Igboland, Nigeria, and Africa as a whole.
The ₦971 billion budget is not just a financial framework but a bold blueprint for transformative growth, setting a new standard for governance and public service in Nigeria.
